Multifunctional Drug- and AuNRs-Loaded ROS-Responsive Selenium-Containing Polyurethane Nanofibers for Smart Wound Healing

Abstract Elevated levels of ROS, bacterial infection, inflammation, and improper regeneration are the factors that need to be addressed simultaneously for achieving effective wound healing without scar formation. This study focuses on the fabrication of electrospun ROS-responsive selenium-containing polyurethane nanofibers incorporating deferoxamine mesylate (Def), indomethacin (Indo), and gold nanorods (AuNRs) as proangiogenesis, anti-inflammatory, and antibacterial agents for synchronized delivery to a full-thickness wound in vivo. The structure of the fabricated nanofibers was analyzed by various techniques. Toxicity was checked by CCK-8 and hemolytic assays. The efficiency of wound healing in vitro was verified by a transwell assay and cell scratch assay. The wound healing efficiency of the nanofibers was assayed in full-thickness wounds in a rat model. The multifunctional nanofibers had a porous structure, enhanced antioxidation, antibacterial activity, and promoted wound healing. They eradicated TNF-α and IL-6, increased IL-10 expression, and revealed the angiogenic potential by increased expression of HIF-1α, VEGF, and CD31.